If you have too much gum tissue showing around your teeth, or if your gum line is uneven, it can compromise the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, there is a quick and easy solution. Dr. Van O’Dell offers gum contouring at his North Little Rock, AR, practice to bring balance and symmetry to patients’ smiles. Often paired with porcelain veneers and dental crowns, this cosmetic dentistry procedure can have an amazing impact on your smile. Dr. O’Dell uses a laser to skillfully remove small amounts of gum tissue and create a pleasing, natural-looking frame for your teeth. The laser precisely sculpts the gum line with virtually no pain or bleeding. To learn more about what laser gum contouring can do for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. O’Dell.

If you have an uneven gum line or a gummy smile, we can eliminate excess tissue for a more balanced appearance.

About Gum Contouring

Also known as a gum lift or crown lengthening, gum contouring is designed to accent your smile. Ideally, your gums should have an even, scalloped appearance that subtly complements your teeth. When gums extend too far down the teeth, the result is often called a “gummy” smile. It can make your teeth look short or small, and draw unwanted attention to the area below your upper lip. In the past, patients who wanted to have excess gum tissue removed would undergo traditional surgery with a scalpel. This method was effective, but it resulted in bleeding and an uncomfortable recovery. With the advent of laser dentistry, all that has changed.

The Gum Contouring Procedure

Before your procedure, Dr. O’Dell will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. He will then use a soft tissue diode laser to gently remove the excess gum tissue with a narrow, pulsed beam of light. The laser vaporizes tissue instantly, and seals the incisions at the same time, so you can expect little, if any, discomfort. After your procedure, you may experience slight soreness or swelling for up to a week, but it usually does not interfere with eating or speaking. Choose soft foods at first, and be very gentle while brushing and flossing. If you experience any discomfort, an over-the-counter pain reliever should be sufficient.

Advantages of Laser Contouring

When performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. O’Dell, laser gum contouring is extremely safe and effective. Patients can enjoy several benefits from this advanced technology:

A high degree of precision

Minimal bleeding or inflammation

Greatly reduced risk of infection

A brief procedure and quick recovery

Instant results

Learn More about Laser Gum Contouring

Your gum line is an important part of your smile, which is often the first thing others notice about you. A balanced, symmetrical smile can help you make the best impression on others, and increase your self-confidence. Whether performed alone or in combination with additional cosmetic treatments, gum contouring is a simple procedure that can make a big improvement in the appearance of your smile. Laser gum contouring by Dr. O'Dell makes this procedure more comfortable and effective than ever before. Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from laser gum contouring.